Wonky pots

[Timo]

Because I was being quite careful and manually logging everything so I could put everything back together without probs, it took me half an hour or so.

Now I've done it and know what to expect, I'd be able to do it in about 10mins or so. Basically it was just a case of having the courage to unscrew all the several sets of layers for the first time, and decoupling all the ribbon-cables (simple enough, but there's several of them that look identical), etc..

Getting back to the pots, here's a quick pic:

Pot 1a

...The part that is actually wobbly isn't the spindle itself, but the metal part surrounding the spindle that fixes the spindle to the base of the pot. I've placed a dotted line along the edge that's causing the prob, so it's easier to see:-

Pot 1b

From another angle:-

Pot 2a

...and with a dotted line again:

Pot 2b

Because the actual pots themselves are working flawlessly within themselves, I think I might first try injecting a little superglue in between the two little metal tabs either side of the base of the spindle using a fine needle syringe to see how that holds. And if that fails, I've lost nothing, and so then I'll then replace the pot itself as I was going to anyway.

Will need to get the components in anyhow, and it's about time I got myself a nice soldering iron and solder-sucker, etc..

Beware of crap soldering irons. And, moreso, crap solder!

### UPDATE: LINKS EXPIRED. I HAVE SINCE RE-POTTED THE KNOBS ON THE VIRUS. - YOU CAN FIND A FULL POTTING MASTERCLASS COMPLETE WITH PICTURES: http://infekted.org/virus/showthread.php?t=31443 ###

[Timo]

Got all the soldering gear today, but could I find a six-legged 10KOhm variable resistor?!... Maplins was a no-no, as was my local electronic-components shop, too.

However, I think I've sourced it on the RS website http://RSwww.com -- product code: STRK11K07 , but I'm not too sure about the spindle being of the correct dimensions (the 'flat' part of the base of the black spindle looks too high when compared with ones in the Virus PCB pics). I've just sent a mail to Access' hardware branch to query it. Otherwise I'll see if I can get it from them directly, or via Turnkey if I need to.

Updates as and when.

[Edit] The Virus pots are indeed "Alps" branded, as it, er, says it on the side of the pots! They have a code on the back 103B 105C, so I'm checking with the UK branch of Alps (www.Alps.co.uk) to identify them and see if (or where) they can be purchased.

[saba]

Interesting pictures; thank you for posting them.
________
group Cam

[MADSTATION]

Nice!

Cool topic, and cool pics

[Dujenwook]

Great thread indeed. :thumbsup:

[Hollowcell]

How did the superglue trial go Timo?

It's interesting that it wasn't actually the spindal of the pot that was loose though. Do you think in your Indigo's case it had some sideways force at some point?

[DIGITAL SCREAMS]

Interesting thread.....

Is the fact that the buttons and knobs are soldered on cause any real problems? Are they easy to unsolder?

DS

[xsdata-kc]

A quick question , those leds looks like they are mounted into a socket.. is this a correct observation or is it just spaghetti cord around the legs?? Because if so I am going to change the red ones in the virus for blue ones (yes I have checked voltages and they do match)

[jasedee]

Originally Posted by xsdata-kc

A quick question , those leds looks like they are mounted into a socket.. is this a correct observation or is it just spaghetti cord around the legs?? Because if so I am going to change the red ones in the virus for blue ones (yes I have checked voltages and they do match)

Now that would be pretty darn cool.......

[xsdata-kc]

actually the more I think about it the more pissed of I get 2 see the push buttons and pots are all surface mounted !! Ihmo that surface mounted mechanical components lead to long term problems with not only the components but the PCB as well making things hard to fix.

anyhow

are those LEDS mounted in a socket or is that just insulation around the legs of the LEDS?

peace